Manitoba has earmarked $1 million annually for its U.S. trade office, exceeding the previously reported $800,000 budget under the NDP government. Documents acquired by CBC News reveal that this allocation covers salaries, office space, and other expenses for Richard Madan, the trade envoy based in Washington, D.C., along with his administrative assistant. The NDP government initially cited the $800,000 total budget for the office, which was later revised to an estimated range of $800,000 to $900,000 for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Despite the initial disclosures, discrepancies emerged regarding Madan’s compensation. While the government originally stated Madan’s salary as $387,000, a contract obtained via a freedom of information request unveiled an annual consulting fee of $482,000, supplemented by up to $51,000 for hospitality and other expenses. In addition, government correspondence from January 2026 disclosed expenditures of $143,000 for Madan’s administrative assistant and $221,000 for office rent at the Canadian embassy in the U.S.
Criticism surfaced regarding the lack of transparency in financial reporting, with Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan expressing concerns over the fragmented disclosure of U.S. trade office costs. The absence of a dedicated budget line item for the office raised questions, prompting calls for greater clarity and accountability in government spending. Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch emphasized the importance of detailed budget information for public scrutiny to ensure accountability and prevent wasteful spending.
Furthermore, efforts to obtain detailed spending breakdowns through freedom of information requests faced resistance from the government, citing concerns over cabinet confidentiality and potential harm to intergovernmental relations. The refusal to disclose specific expenses, aside from hotel bills totaling $3,045, drew criticism for perceived lack of transparency. Calls for enhanced transparency and public accountability regarding government spending on the U.S. trade office have been reiterated by watchdog organizations and political figures alike.